This is the home port of Classic Sailing. A seafaring village on the East side of Falmouth Harbour, St Mawes is about as picturesque as it gets (but we would say that!).
Getting to St Mawes
By train
Take a mainline train to Truro station. From there either take a taxi, around 30 minutes, or continue by bus towards St Mawes via Tregony.
By public transport via Falmouth
Travel by train to Truro, then branch line to Falmouth Town. Walk to Prince of Wales Pier orbCustoms House Quay and take the passenger ferry across the Fal to St Mawes. The ferry runs regularly and is often the simplest option without a car. Foot Ferry timetable
Two options for getting to St Mawes by Car
Option 1: The “All-Road” Route (Via Tregony)
Best for: Late-night arrivals, saving money, or avoiding ferry queues. This route avoids the King Harry Ferry, making it the most reliable option if you are arriving after 9:00 PM or during bad weather when the ferry might not be running.
- From Exeter: Take the A30 westbound into Cornwall.
- The Turn-off: Stay on the A30 past Bodmin. Look for the B3275 exit signposted for Ladock (often just after the “Fraddon” services/McDonald’s).
- The Drive: Follow the B3275 south. It will eventually merge into the A390 (turn left) briefly, then you will turn right onto the A3078 signposted for St Mawes and Tregony.
- Final Leg: Follow the A3078 all the way to the end of the Roseland Peninsula. The road winds through villages like Tregony and St Just in Roseland before dropping down into St Mawes.
Option 2: The Scenic Route (Via King Harry Ferry)
Best for: Daytime driving, scenery, and cutting out driving miles. This route involves taking the King Harry Ferry, one of the few remaining chain ferries in the UK. It saves you driving around the river estuary but costs a fee and operates on a schedule. Car ferry timetable
- From Exeter: Take the A30 westbound.
- The Turn-off: At the Carland Cross junction (major roundabout/interchange), take the A39 into Truro.
- To the Ferry: From Truro, follow signs for Falmouth initially, then look for brown tourist signs for the King Harry Ferry or Feock. You will take the B3289 to the ferry slipway.
- The Crossing: The ferry takes you (and your car) across the River Fal to the Roseland Peninsula.
- Final Leg: Drive off the ferry and turn left to join the road towards St Mawes (about a 10-15 minute drive from the ferry).
Important Tips for the Driver
- Sat Nav Warning: Many Sat Navs default to the King Harry Ferry route because it looks shorter on a map. If you are travelling late at night, force your GPS to route via Tregony or add “Ladock” as a waypoint to avoid getting stuck at a closed ferry.
- Ferry Times: The King Harry Ferry typically runs until around 9:20 PM in summer and earlier in winter. Always check the latest operating times if you plan to cut it fine.
- Narrow Roads: The final approach on the Roseland Peninsula (A3078) can be narrow and twisty. Be prepared to reverse for oncoming traffic in the tightest spots, especially near St Just in Roseland.
Car Parking in St Mawes for Crew Joining Tallulah
If you’re arriving by car, motorbike, or camper van to join Tallulah in St Mawes,
here’s what you need to know.
There is a long-stay car park behind the Rising Sun pub in central St Mawes.
It’s run by St Just in Roseland Parish Council. You pay at the machine on
arrival — card payments are accepted. Advance booking isn’t possible.
As of April 2023, the daily charge for a standard vehicle using one bay was £6,
with reduced rates for longer stays (e.g. £35 for a week). Prices may have
changed since then.
Motorbikes parked on yellow hatchings are free. Full mobility vehicles are also
free.
Blue Badge holders pay the standard rate.
Camper vans are welcome to park during the day but cannot be used for
overnight stays. If your vehicle uses more than one space, you’ll need to pay
for each and display a ticket for both.
The car park is in regular use by both locals and visitors. High-value vehicles
are often parked here, and concerns around theft or vandalism are very low,
though of course no guarantee can be given.
Note
Always check the signage when you arrive, especially if staying multiple days
or parking a large vehicle. Local rules may change.
